According to Bloomberg, Apple has hired a longtime Ford veteran for its electric car project. Unnamed sources say Desi Ujkashevic, the current Director, Engineering North American Programs (Unibody and Lincoln), has joined the iPhone maker.
Ujkashevic has worked at Ford for 31 years, and has overseen the engineering of various gasoline cars from the company, including newer electric vehicles.
Ford told Bloomberg she has retired from the company.
When Doug Field left the Apple car project last year, the latter’s management team has seen a major overhaul, with managers in various fields departing as well. Apple Watch leader Kevin Lynch has since taken over the iPhone maker’s car ambitions.
Apple’s apparent goal of making a self-driving electric car is by 2025, which is said to omit a steering wheel and pedals. Nobody has managed to create a fully self-driving car quite yet and it’s unclear if Apple can make that happen in a few short years.
It remains to be seen if Apple can create an autonomous vehicle, when mass producing an electric car by itself remains a challenge for many automakers, aside from Tesla at this moment.
According to Ujkashevic’s LinkedIn, she did indeed retire from Ford in March.
“I wanted to share with my LinkedIn Community that I have marked the end of my wonderful career with Ford Motor Company and a new beginning into my next Chapter. I just wanted to take a moment to thank Ford Motor Company, Bill Ford, and Jim Farley for providing me great opportunities to contribute to Ford and for their leadership and support of me over my career. I am honored to have served Ford Motor Company,” she stated.
“A sincere thank you all. Now, I am excited to start my next adventure and I hope to continue to contribute to society and advancing technology with a purpose –> ultimately making a better world!”, concluded the Ford veteran.
